Welcome to

Aikikai of Philadelphia

a member of the United States Aikido Federation

Aikikai of Philadelphia is the first Aikikai dojo established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1991 by the late Henry Smith Sensei, our dojo has been a leader in the Philadelphia martial arts community for more than two decades.

Our purpose is to develop and improve physical and mental health as well as gain a sense of cultural diversity through the practice of Aikido as established and founded by Master Morihei Ueshiba (“O-Sensei”). The Aikikai of Philadelphia is a member dojo of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) under the direction of Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei and is allied with the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the Aikikai Foundation Headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan.

We are open to anyone who wishes to practice and learn Aikido with diligence and friendliness.

YouTube Video

Instructors

Roderick Johnson, 4th Dan
Chief Instructor

Roderick Johnson started practicing Aikido under Henry Smith Sensei more than 15 years ago and holds the rank of Yondan, or 4th degree black belt. He was one of the most loyal and talented practitioners under Henry Smith Sensei. He assumed the role of Chief Instructor in August 2013. In continuing the legacy of Smith Sensei, he seeks to foster an environment in which the essence of Aikido assists individuals in unlocking and releasing their life’s energy. Johnson Sensei is also a licensed social worker and therapist in the state of Pennsylvania and uses what he has learned from Aikido’s principles in his daily interactions with his clients to serve the Philadelphia community.

John Porter, 4th Dan

Ed Shockley, 4th Dan

John Holt, 4th Dan

Carlton Harris, 3rd Dan

Class Schedule

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

CHILDREN'S CLASS
(ages 5 to 7)
9:30am - 10:15am
Holt

CHILDREN'S CLASS
(ages 8 to 12)
10:15am - 11:00am
Holt

AIKI WEAPONS
10:30am - 12:00pm
Shockley

AIKIDO MIXED
11:00am - 12:30pm
Johnson Sensei

CHILDREN'S CLASS
(ages 5 to 7)
4:45pm - 5:30pm
Johnson Sensei

CHILDREN'S CLASS
(ages 8 to 12)
4:45pm - 5:30pm
Johnson Sensei

AIKIDO BASICS
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Johnson Sensei

AIKIDO BASICS
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Johnson Sensei

AIKIDO BASICS
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Harris

AIKIDO BASICS
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Porter

OPEN MAT
6:00pm - 7:00pm

AIKIDO BLACK BELT
first Mondays
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Johnson Sensei

AIKIDO BASICS is a class for all levels of students. Students will practice basic movements and techniques.AIKIDO MIXED is a class for all levels of students. Students will practice basic to advanced techniques.AIKI WEAPONS is a class for all levels of students. Students will practice weapons techniques using the bokken, jo, and tanto. CHILDREN'S CLASS is a class for all levels of children, ages 5 to 12. Please click here for more information.OPEN MAT is a time for students to review techniques and practice on their own. This is not an official class, but senior students will be available to help and advise.AIKIDO BLACK BELT is a class for 3rd kyu and above.

Currently, Aikikai of Philadelphia does not offer weekday morning classes. Any schedule changes will be announced via our dojo mailing list.

Learn more about Aikikai of Philadelphia or contact us with any questions or concerns!